Cross of St James
Encyclopedia
The Cross of St. James is similar to a Cross flory fitchy and is formed by a cross flory, where the lower part is fashioned as a sword blade (rather like fitched or fitchee or fitchy) - making this a cross of a warrior. It was popularized then due to its resemblance to a sword, symbolizing in a sense taking up the sword for the name of Christ.
This form is said to have originated at the time of the Crusades, when the crusaders carried small crosses with pointed lower arms, capable of being thrust into the ground at a time of daily devotions.
on the handle and on the arms. The knights wore the stamp of the cross on their banners and on their white capes. The cross on the banner had three insignias on it, one in the middle and one on each end of the arms.
The three fleurs-de-lis represent spotless honour (an honour of having defeated an enemy without spilling blood), which makes reference to the moral characteristics of the apostle St. James.
The sword represents the knightly character of the apostle and refers his martyrdom, since he was decapitated by sword. It can also symbolize, in a certain sense, taking the sword in the name of Christ.
It is said that the form of the insignia originated during the crusade period, when the knights took small crosses with the bottoms sharpened to be able to nail them into the ground and carry out their daily devotions.
, named in reference to Spain's patron saint, Saint James the Great
. This cross design is also called the Cross of the Knights of Santiago, as well as the Spanish Cross. Often this cross design bears a heart-like ornament on its top.
This form is said to have originated at the time of the Crusades, when the crusaders carried small crosses with pointed lower arms, capable of being thrust into the ground at a time of daily devotions.
Insignia and meaning
The insignia of the Order of Santiago is a bright red cross simulating a sword and has the shape of a fleur-de-lisFleur-de-lis
The fleur-de-lis or fleur-de-lys is a stylized lily or iris that is used as a decorative design or symbol. It may be "at one and the same time, political, dynastic, artistic, emblematic, and symbolic", especially in heraldry...
on the handle and on the arms. The knights wore the stamp of the cross on their banners and on their white capes. The cross on the banner had three insignias on it, one in the middle and one on each end of the arms.
The three fleurs-de-lis represent spotless honour (an honour of having defeated an enemy without spilling blood), which makes reference to the moral characteristics of the apostle St. James.
The sword represents the knightly character of the apostle and refers his martyrdom, since he was decapitated by sword. It can also symbolize, in a certain sense, taking the sword in the name of Christ.
It is said that the form of the insignia originated during the crusade period, when the knights took small crosses with the bottoms sharpened to be able to nail them into the ground and carry out their daily devotions.
Order of Santiago
Most notably, the Cross of Saint James was the emblem of the twelfth-century military Order of SantiagoOrder of Santiago
The Order of Santiago was founded in the 12th century, and owes its name to the national patron of Galicia and Spain, Santiago , under whose banner the Christians of Galicia and Asturias began in the 9th century to combat and drive back the Muslims of the Iberian Peninsula.-History:Santiago de...
, named in reference to Spain's patron saint, Saint James the Great
Saint James the Great
James, son of Zebedee was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. He was a son of Zebedee and Salome, and brother of John the Apostle...
. This cross design is also called the Cross of the Knights of Santiago, as well as the Spanish Cross. Often this cross design bears a heart-like ornament on its top.
External links
- The Cross of Saint James, history of the cross used by the Spanish Order of Santiago and the Portuguese Order of St. James of the Sword.